Growing a Vegetable Garden

Growing a vegetable garden is a rewarding experience. As a gardener you literally reap what you sow. The great thing about growing your own vegetables rather than buying them at your local supermarket is that you know exactly what are you getting. You do not have to pay extra for those pesky pesticides. And, the cost of growing your own vegetables can be significantly less than paying for produce that someone else has grown.

Location, Location, Location

The first step to starting a successful garden is deciding where you will plant your garden, and that is much easier than reviewing a loan policy. You need to choose a spot that will see at least six hours of sunlight a day. And, the amount of things you will be able to plant will be limited by the physical size of garden you are able to have. If you are a first time gardener you should probably start out with a small size so that you can easily maintain it. And, you should consider your local climate as well so you know when the best time is to plant and what vegetables are more likely to thrive in your local climate.

Pick Your Produce

Once you have determined the location and size of your new garden the next step is to decide what you would like to grow. Whether you are green or a green thumb, make sure to pick produce that you know you have the experience to maintain. Also, keep in mind you do not want to grow an excessive amount of produce that you will not be able to consume and will just go to waste. And, before you decide to grow a certain item, do a little bit of research to make sure you understand how should plant it and care for it.

Once you have selected your produce, draw a diagram of your anticipated garden so that you can map out where you will plant each item. This diagram will come in handy as your vegetables begin to peek through the soil so they are easily identifiable as they grow. It will also help you know which areas may need more water as some vegetables may need more to grow.

Prepare the Land

Before you can plant your seeds, you will need to properly prepare the soil for planting. It is a good idea to dig up the soil and make sure it is free of stones, sticks, and other foreign object that may impede a vegetable's growth. Also, adequately fertilize the soil prior to planting so that it is ready for the garden to begin. And, you may also want to protect your garden by sectioning it off with fencing to protect it from your furry friends. Doing this before you scatter the seeds will ensure they are not eaten before they are given a chance to grow.

After your garden is planted you should always make sure to keep your soil hydrated. Watch the weather and make sure that if mother nature is not quenching your gardens thirst that you compensate for that. If you notice insects in your garden make sure that you get rid of them as soon as possible. There are some great simple solutions for handling pests without having to turn immediately to harmful pesticides.

Also, as you are growing a vegetable garden it is important to keep the weeds out. Weeds can overcrowd your vegetables and steal their water, sun, and space. A garden that becomes overrun with weeds will quickly deteriorate and the vegetables will not flourish as you like.

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